Soldiers, Miners and Fairies. (Private Tour of West Cornwall.)
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Soldiers, Miners and Fairies. (Private Tour of West Cornwall.)

Active
(3 reviews)
5h - 13h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Come exploring West Cornwall with Glenys and Chris.
Glenys is a thirty year old British taxi and Chris is your friendly driver and guide.
Come with us to explore ancient churches (One of which is abandoned.), a stone circle where Chris will teach you to dowse for its mysteries, an abandoned bronze age village, a prehistoric fogou and pretty seaside towns. We'll visit some awesome viewpoints, look at fascinating mining heritage and discover some hidden gems. You'll hear stories and songs, a part of Cornwall's rich culture which is still thriving today.

Is there something you particularly want to see that's not on the tour?
No Problem, we can add it in.

The tours are private, you won't have to share Glenys with anyone and you can go at your own pace.

There's plenty of time for souvenir and ice cream shopping!

It's your holiday, your tour, your pace, your choice.

Available options

Soldiers, Miners and Fairies. (Private Tour of West Cornwall.)

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Use of torches to explore Halligge Fogou.

Detailed itinerary

1

We stop in this picturesque little village to visit the shop. Here we find an array of interesting local produce including fresh baked goods. The shop is also a tea/coffee stop. The shop carries a range of interesting teas.

2

Fogous are unique to Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly and are a bit of a mystery.
It is an absolutely fascinating underground chamber of indeterminate age (possibly bronze age). It is man-made and its purpose is... well, tell me what you think after you have seen it.

Chris, your guide, will lend you a little torch so you can go off and explore the subterranean passageways.

3

Our first stop on The Lizard Peninsula is At The Lizard Windmill. Situated in a nature reserve, this windmill is over 400 years old. Marvel at the views whilst your guide tells you the tale of The Windmill Gang.
Next, we visit Lizard Town itself. Explore the many little shops but don't ignore the architecture of the pretty buildings.
We then go down to Lizard Point, Britain's most southerly point. We may see seals playing in the water as we enjoy the views.

4

We stop at a viewpoint to look at the famous St. Michael's Mount and Mounts Bay from a high vantage point.
We pass through the beautiful little village of Marazion on the way to Penwith.
Of course, if you want to actually visit the island, that's fine. It's your tour, your day, your holiday. We can do whatever you like.

5

You'll stroll along the causeway (Or get the boat if the tide is in.) to access the island and explore the castle.
An entry fee applies to access the castle and the grounds. At the time of writing it is £15, but check the website (www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk) to check for yourself.

6

Up above Penzance, we discover Penwith.
Many describe this area as "True Cornwall".
Spectacular scenery, ancient monuments, and a UNESCO World Heritage site on account of its mining history.

Firstly we visit Chysausester:
A c2300-year-old village.
Unique for its layout and state of preservation, this type of courtyard house is peculiar to Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly.
Said to be the oldest village street in the UK.
Entry fees apply from £7.50

7

We take a little stroll along a farm track and into a field to see The Men An Tol or The Holed Stone.
Used for many and various peculiar purposes including healing.
The magic of this stone is said to be from the doing of a good fairy.

8

You can't come to West Cornwall and not visit Geevor Tin Mine.
Some mine workings date back to the 17th century.
Mining stopped here in 1990.
The heritage center opened three years later.
You'll see inside the ore processing plant and the "dry" where the miners got ready for work. Look down the shaft where the cages took the men to the working levels.
Go underground into the Wheal Mexico mine.
Look at the exhibits in the museum.
Talk to the guides who were miners when the mine was in production.
Entry to the complex costs £19.00.

9

A short ride takes us to Botallack to look at the famous Crowns Engine Houses, perched spectacularly at the water's edge.
We'll look at The Count House and have a chat about a famous singer who performed there.
(The Count House is where the miners would have collected their wages and where other mine administration would have been carried out.)

10

Leaving Botallack we go to look at Cape Cornwall and the monument there (you will be amazed at what the monument is for. I was!) and then a look at Ballowall Barrow, a 10,000-year-old burial chamber.

We then head back to Falmouth for a look at Pendennis Castle.

11
Stop 11

Depending on where Glenys and I have picked you up from we can also visit Pendennis Castle at some point.
Construction of Pendennis Castle began in the 1540s, it was modernized several times and saw action in World War two. After over 400 years of service, Pendennis was decommissioned in 1956 and opened to the public a year later.
Admission is £12.50.

What's not included

Lunch
Entry fees for St. Michaels mount are not included. Entry is £15 at the time of writing.
Entry fees for Chysauster village are not included. Entry is £7.50 at the time of writing.
Entry fees for Pendennis Castle are not included. Entry is £12.50 at the time of writing.
Entry fees for Geevor Mine are not included. Entry is £18.90 at the time of writing.
Chysauster Ancient Village
Pendennis Castle
Geevor Tin Mine
St. Michael's Mount

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cornwall

Cornwall is a stunning coastal county in South West England, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and rich Celtic heritage. With its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural identity, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm.

Top Attractions

The Eden Project

A stunning ecological park featuring giant geodesic domes housing a variety of plant species from around the world.

Nature 3-4 hours £27-£33 (adult ticket)

St. Michael's Mount

A historic island castle and village with a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

Historical 2-3 hours £14.50 (adult ticket, castle and gardens)

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

A beautifully restored Victorian garden with a fascinating history and a variety of plant species.

Nature 3-4 hours £15.50 (adult ticket)

Land's End

The southwesternmost point of mainland England, offering stunning coastal views and a variety of attractions.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (parking and attractions may have separate fees)

Tintagel Castle

A medieval castle associated with the legends of King Arthur, located on the dramatic Cornish coastline.

Historical 1-2 hours £10.50 (adult ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cornish Pasty

A traditional savory pastry filled with beef, potatoes, swede, and onions.

Lunch Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian versions available.

Cream Tea

A light snack consisting of scones, clotted cream, and jam.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy. Vegan options may be available.

Stargazy Pie

A traditional Cornish pie made with pilchards or sardines, with the fish heads poking through the pastry.

Dinner Contains gluten and fish. Not suitable for vegetarians.

Cornish Ice Cream

Creamy ice cream made with local Cornish clotted cream.

Dessert Contains dairy. Vegan options may be available.

Popular Activities

Surfing Coasteering Hiking Kayaking Sailing Beachcombing Yoga retreats Spas

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and various festivals. The beaches are at their best, and all attractions are fully open.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Cornish (a revival language)
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cornwall is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Newquay Cornwall Airport • 12 miles (19 km) from Newquay
  • Exeter International Airport • 70 miles (113 km) from Exeter
By train

Truro Station, Penzance Station

By bus

Truro Bus Station, Penzance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. Services are frequent in towns but can be limited in rural areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Penzance St. Ives Falmouth Truro Newquay

Day trips

The Lizard Peninsula
30 miles (48 km) from Truro • Full day

The Lizard Peninsula offers stunning coastal scenery, beautiful beaches, and unique geological features.

Fowey
20 miles (32 km) from Truro • Half day to full day

A charming coastal town with a rich maritime history, picturesque streets, and beautiful estuary views.

Bodmin Moor
20 miles (32 km) from Truro • Full day

A vast, open moorland offering dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins, and a rich history.

Festivals

Falmouth Oyster Festival • Late September to early October St. Ives September Festival • Mid-September Porthcurno Telecommunications Museum Festival • July

Pro tips

  • Visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and lower prices
  • Try local dishes like pasties, cream teas, and seafood
  • Explore beyond the tourist hotspots for a more authentic experience
  • Pack layers and waterproof clothing for changing weather
  • Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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